Manifold for flow distribution

ABSTRACT

A manifold ( 100 ) comprising an inlet port ( 102 ) for receiving a fluid flow, said inlet port defining a flow passage ( 122 ); a plurality of outlet ports ( 104 - 114 ); wherein some of the outlet ports are provided with direct communication with said flow passage ( 122 ); and the ports being connected by auxiliary passages adapted to convey fluid between said outlet ports to reduce stagnation pressure zones and maintain desired pressure distribution at each outlet port.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a manifold.

Particularly, the disclosure relates to a manifold for uniform flowdistribution.

BACKGROUND

Fuel manifolds for turbine engines, valves, compressors, electricmotors, thermostats, regulators or gearbox are required to distributefuel from a common distributor or manifold to a plurality of inletnozzles or fuel injectors. The fuel distribution must be uniform to thedifferent fuel injectors so that uniform fuel combustion is attained andtemperature differentials are avoided. Also, the fuel distribution mustbe effectible over a wide range of operating conditions, therebyallowing considerable variations in the fuel flow rates. The fluid flowdemand may be relatively small and essentially equal at the plurality offuel injectors during some phases of operation, but is much larger andpossibly unevenly distributed during other phases of the operation. Forexample, in the fuel supply system of a gas turbine the fuel nozzlesrequire small and equal fuel flow when the device is starting-up andmuch larger fuel flows when the turbine reaches its operating speed.Therefore, when a large number of fuel injectors are used equalizationof flow and variable fuel flow rates may be difficult to achieve.Further, it is also necessary that the pressure loss in each of the fuelinjector line is substantially uniform with respect to each other overthe entire operating range to avoid unequal fuel distribution and as lowas possible for maximum fuel distribution efficiency.

These design considerations have been some what met over the years byproviding rather complicated and expensive flow distribution means andfuel metering valves. U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,202 is a typical example of aprior art device in which a fuel flow distribution valve including avalve body having a bore with a spring biased pressure responsive valveis disclosed. The valve housing, which is in communication with ahousing inlet, is provided with a plurality of integrally formeddischarge ports, wherein these numerous discharge ports are provided oneither side of the valve. U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,699 is another typicalexample of a prior art device in which a fluid distribution valve havinga single inlet and a plurality of parallel outlets for connection of aplurality of fluid demand locations is disclosed. The valve bodyreceives a fluid through an inlet into a manifold chamber having aplurality of parallel openings which are always open. The valve bodyfurther comprises pistons adapted to close outlet ports which areprovided in operative communication with the plurality of openings. U.S.Pat. No. 2,986,335 is yet another typical example of a prior art devicein which a turbojet engine fuel distribution system for equaldistribution of fully atomized fuel throughout an extreme range ofoperating conditions is disclosed. The system utilizes the good low flowmetering characteristics of variable area fuel nozzles in combinationwith fixed area orifices and other proven components to overcome thepoor flow dividing and metering characteristics of variable area nozzlesat higher fuel flows.

These devices are complicated, expensive and difficult to operate Thereis therefore felt a need for a simple fluid distribution manifold whichis capable of providing uniform fluid distribution over the entireoperating range while maintaining uniform pressure at each of the outletport.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure which at least oneembodiment is adapted to provide, are described herein below:

It is an object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or moreproblems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved manifoldfor uniform fluid flow distribution which reduces stagnation pressurezone, reduces envelope size, and helps maintain uniform pressuredistribution at each outlet port.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold foruniform fluid flow distribution which has a simple compact constructionwith minimal parts and is inexpensive to implement, efficient inoperating and reliable over a long service life.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifoldwhich gives equal flow distribution irrespective of the inlet pressure.

One more object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold forturbine engines, electric motors, compressors, valves, thermostats,regulators, gearboxes and the like.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be moreapparent from the following description when read in conjunction withthe accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope ofthe present disclosure.

SUMMARY

A manifold (100) is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment. Themanifold (100) includes an inlet port (102), a plurality of outlet ports(104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114). The inlet port (102) receives a fluidflow. The inlet port (102) defines a flow passage for traversing thefluid. The plurality of outlet ports (104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114)are positioned in linear sets on either side of said flow passage fordischarging the fluid flow. Some of the plurality of outlet ports (108,110, 112 and 114) in each set are provided with direct operativecommunication with the flow passage (122) by means of apertures (124,126) for receiving the fluid flow. The ports in each set of outlet portson either side of the flow channel are operatively connected byauxiliary passages (128). The auxiliary passages convey fluid betweenthe outlet ports to reduce the stagnation pressure zone and maintain adesired pressure distribution at each outlet port.

Typically, each set of outlet ports consists of three outlet ports oneach side of the flow passage (122).

Generally, the outlet ports (104, 106) nearest to the inlet port (102)are not in direct operative communication with the flow passage (122).

Typically, the outlet ports (108, 110) are in direct operativecommunication with the flow passage (122) by means of a first aperture(124).

Generally, the outlet ports (112, 114) are in direct operativecommunication with the flow passage (122) by means of a second aperture(126).

Typically, a solenoid valve is provided at selective outlet ports (104,106, 112 and 114) to close the outlet ports.

Specifically, the flow variation in the outlet ports is less than 5%.

Preferably, the inlet port (102) is smaller than dimension of said flowpassage (122).

Further, in accordance with an embodiment, the ratio of thecross-sectional area of said inlet port to the cross-sectional area ofsaid outlet port is between 1:1.7-1:23.

Typically, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the flow passage tothe cross-sectional area of said first aperture is between 1:0.3-1:0.6.

Typically, in accordance with the present disclosure, the ratio of thecross sectional area of the first aperture to the cross-sectional areaof the auxiliary passage is between 1:0.2-1:0.4.

Generally, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the first apertureto the cross-sectional area of the second aperture is between1:1.6-1:1.9.

In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary passages are parallel tothe flow passage.

In accordance with another embodiment, the auxiliary passages are notparallel to said flow passage.

Further, in accordance with still another embodiment, the auxiliarypassages are stepped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanyingdrawings, in which,

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a conventional manifold device;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of the preferred embodiment of themanifold showing the fluid flow path in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of the preferred embodiment of themanifold showing the apertures and the auxiliary passage in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 a illustrates a pictorial view of the manifold showing the inletport, the flow passage and the apertures in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 b illustrates a pictorial view of the manifold showing theapertures and the auxiliary passage in accordance with the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical representation showing the flowdistribution through each outlet port comparing the conventionalmanifold of FIG. 1 and the manifold in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings which only exemplify the disclosure and in no way limit itsscope and ambit. The description provided is purely by way of exampleand illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments inthe following description. Descriptions of well-known components andprocessing techniques are on so as to not unnecessarily obscure theembodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely tofacilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein maybe practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practicethe embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, byapplying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for variousapplications such specific embodiments without departing from thegeneric concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modificationsshould and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and rangeof equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood thatthe phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodimentsherein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, thoseskilled in the an will recognize that the embodiments herein can bepracticed with modification within the spirit and scope of theembodiments as described herein.

In FIG. 1, there is illustrated a conventional manifold device 10 havingan inlet port 12 and plurality of outlet ports (14, 16, 18, 20, 22 &24). The inlet port 12 defines a flow passage 26 for conveying a fluid.The outlet ports (14, 16, 18, 20, 22 & 24) are located on either sidesof the flow passage 26, with three outlet ports linearly arranged oneach side of the flow passage 26. Each of the outlet port (14, 16, 18,20, 22 & 24) is directly connected to the how passage 26 to receive thefluid flow coming in through the inlet port 12, This causes stagnationpressure at the outlet ports (22 & 24). The flow path of the fluid inthe manifold in illustrated in the FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows the graphicalrepresentation of the percentage flow rate (A) through each outlet. Itis seen that by using the conventional manifold device 10 a substantialflow variation is obtained between outlet ports (14 & 16), outlet ports(18 & 20) and outlet ports (22 & 24). The flow variation between theseoutlet ports in greater than 125% when all the ports are operational.The present disclosure aims at overcoming these drawbacks of theconventional manifold device 10.

The present disclosure envisages a manifold having a simple compactconstruction which provides uniform flow distribution and uniformpressure distribution at each of the outlet port. This manifold issuitable for use in turbines, electric motors, compressors, thermostats,valves, regulators, gearboxes, and any such device that demands uniformflow distribution of a fuel/fluid from a common inlet to multipleoutlets.

In FIGS. 2-4, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of themanifold 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The manifold 100has a box-like structure comprising an inlet port 102 for receiving afluid flow. The inlet port 102 defines a flow passage 122 for traversingthe fluid in the manifold 100. Six outlet ports (104, 106, 108, 110, 112& 114), with three outlet ports positioned linearly on either side ofthe flow passage 122, are provided for discharging the fluid orthogonalto its entry. The flow path of the fluid in the manifold is illustratedby arrows in FIG. 2. This flow path is achieved by directly connectingsome of the outlet ports, viz. outlet ports 108, 110, 112 & 114, to theflow passage 122 by means of apertures (124 & 126) shown in FIGS. 3 and4 a. The outlet ports nearest to the inlet port 102, viz. outlet ports104 & 106 are not directly connected to the flow passage 122. The fluidentering at the inlet port 102 first enters the outlet ports through theapertures (124 & 126).

An auxiliary passage 128 is provided for connecting the outlet ports oneach side of the flow passage, The auxiliary passage 128 may or may notbe parallel to the flow passage 122. Also, the auxiliary passage may bestepped. A first auxiliary passage 128 a connects the outlet ports 104,108 & 112, while a second auxiliary passage 128 b connects the outletports 106, 110 & 114. The fluid entering at the inlet port 102 isconveyed through the flow passage 122. The fluid first enters theapertures (124 & 126) at the outlet ports (108, 110, 112 & 114) and isthen conveyed to the outlet ports (104 & 106) via the auxiliary passage128. The outlet ports (108 & 110) are in direct communication with theflow passage 122 through a first aperture 124 and the outlet ports (112& 114) are in direct communication with the flow passage 122 through asecond aperture 126, FIG. 5 shows a graphical representation of thepercentage flow rate (B) through each of the outlet ports (104, 106,108, 110, 112 & 114) using the manifold 100. It was observed that anequal flow distribution is achieved at each of the outlet ports when allthe outlet ports are operational. When all the six outlet ports (104,106, 108, 110, 112 & 114) were operational, an ideal flow rate of 16.67%was achieved at each of the outlet port, well within the permissibleflow variation range (C) of ±1.67% (10%). The flow variation achieved byusing the manifold 100 is less than 5% at each of the outlet port.

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, electricallyactuated solenoid valves (not shown in figures) are provided atselective outlet ports, viz, 104, 106, 112 & 114. The outlet ports 108 &110 are always open while the remaining outlet ports (104, 106, 112 &114) can be selectively shut-off. The valves are optional and may or maynot be used.

The dimension of the inlet port 102 is smaller than the dimension of theflow passage 122. This helps in reducing the overall manifold envelopesize. Preferably, cross-sectional area of the inlet port 102 is 20% lessthan the cross sectional area of the flow passage 122. FIG. 3illustrates the manifold 100 showing the arrangement and relative crosssectional area of the inlet, port 102, the flow passage 122, the outletports (104, 106, 108, 110. 112 & 114), the auxiliary passage 128 and theapertures (124 & 126). In a preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the ratio of the cross sectional area 120 of the inlet port102 to the cross sectional area 130 of the outlet ports (104, 106, 108,110, 112 & 114) is between 1: 1.7-1:23, preferably 1:2. The ratio of thecross sectional area of the flow passage 122 to the cross sectional areaof the first aperture 124 is between 1:0.3-1:0.6, preferably 1:0.45. Theratio of the cross sectional area of the first aperture 124 to the crosssectional area of the auxiliary passage 128 is between 1:0.2-1: 0.4,preferably 1:0.3. The ratio of the cross sectional area of the firstaperture 124 to the cross sectional area of the second, aperture 126 isbetween 1:1.6-1:1.9, preferably 1:1.75. FIG. 4 a illustrates a pictorialview of the manifold 100 showing the cross sectional area 120 of theinlet port 102, cross sectional area of the flow passage 122, and crosssectional areas of the first aperture 124 and second aperture 126. FIG.4 b illustrates a pictorial view of the manifold 100 showing the crosssectional area of the auxiliary passage 128.

The manifold 100 of the present disclosure provides a flow variation ofless than 5% (shown in FIG. 5) at each of the operational outlet port.The flow variation may increase up to 20% under the followingconditions: the outlet ports are opened in random combinations throughthe use of solenoid valves, for e.g. when outlet ports 106, 108 and 112are opened or outlet ports 108 & 110 are open; on increasing the crosssectional area 120 of the inlet port 102 or cross sectional area of theflow passage 122; on changing the fluid media.

Technical Advantages

A manifold for uniform fluid flow distribution, as described in thepresent disclosure has several technical advantages including but notlimited to the realization of: reduction in stagnation pressure zone,reduction in overall manifold envelope size, and provides uniformpressure distribution at each outlet port; has a simple compactconstruction with minimal parts and is inexpensive to implement,efficient in operating and reliable over a long service life; equal flowdistribution irrespective of the inlet pressure; and is suitable forturbine engines, electric motors, compressors, valves, thermostats,regulators, gearboxes and the like.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers orsteps, but not the exclusion integer or step, or group of elements,integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the useof one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may bein the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of thedesired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or thelike that has been included in this, specification is solely for thepurpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be takenas an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the priorart base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to thedisclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of thisapplication.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters,dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisagedthat the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to theparameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of thedisclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific tothe contrary. Wherever a range of values is specified, a value up to 10%below and above the lowest and highest numerical value respectively, ofthe specified range, is included in the scope of the disclosure.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles ofthe present disclosure can be applied, it should he understood that theillustrated embodiments are exemplary only. While considerable emphasishas been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, itwill he appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that maychanges can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing fromthe principle of the disclosure. These and other modifications in thenature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparentto those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is tobe distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to heinterpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as alimitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A manifold (100) comprising: an inlet port(102) for receiving a fluid flow, said inlet port defining a flowpassage (122) for traversing the fluid; a plurality of outlet ports(104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114) positioned in linear sets on eitherside of said flow passage for discharging the fluid flow; wherein, someof said plurality of outlet ports (108, 110, 112 and 114) in each setare provided with direct operative communication with said flow passage(122) by means of apertures (124, 126) adapted to receive the fluidflow; and the ports in each set of outlet ports on either side of saidflow channel are operatively connected by auxiliary passages (128), saidauxiliary passages being adapted to convey fluid between said outletports to reduce the stagnation pressure zone and maintain a desiredpressure distribution at each outlet port.
 2. The manifold as claimed inclaim 1, wherein each set of outlet ports consists of three outlet portson each side of said flow passage (122).
 3. The manifold as claimed inclaim 2, wherein outlet ports (104, 106) nearest to said inlet port(102) are not in direct operative communication with said flow passage(122).
 4. The manifold as claimed in claim 2, wherein outlet ports (108,110) are in direct operative communication with said flow passage (122)by means of a first aperture (124).
 5. The manifold as claimed in claim4, wherein ratio of the cross-sectional area of said flow passage (122)to the cross sectional area of said first aperture (124) is between1:0.3-1:0.6.
 6. The manifold as claimed in claim 4, wherein ratio of thecross-sectional area of said first aperture (124) to the cross-sectionalarea of said auxiliary passage (128) is between 1:0.2-1:0.4.
 7. Themanifold as claimed in 4, wherein ratio of the cross-sectional area ofsaid first aperture (124) to the cross-sectional area of said secondaperture (126) is between 1:1.6-1:1.9.
 8. The manifold as claimed inclaim 2, wherein outlet ports (112, 114) are in direct operativecommunication with said flow passage (122) by means of a second aperture(126).
 9. The manifold as claimed in claim 5, wherein ratio of thecross-sectional area of said first aperture (124) to the cross-sectionalarea of said second aperture (126) is between 1:1.6-1:1.9.
 10. Themanifold as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solenoid valve is provided atselective outlet ports (104, 106, 112 & 114) to close said outlet ports.11. The manifold as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow variation inthe outlet ports is less than 5%.
 12. The manifold as claimed in claim1, wherein dimension of said inlet port (102) is smaller than dimensionof said flow passage (122).
 13. The manifold as claimed in claim 1,wherein ratio of the cross-sectional area area of said inlet port (102)to the cross-sectional area of said outlet ports (104, 106, 108, 110,112 & 114) is between 1:1.7-1:2.3.
 14. The manifold as claimed in claim1, wherein said auxiliary passages (128) are parallel to said flowpassage (122).
 15. The manifold as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidauxiliary passage (128) are not parallel to said flow passage (122). 16.The manifold as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary passage (128)is stepped.